#Hyrulean Sights ; Nature

[wintertimestoryteller]

Vermeil Adoration

Fierce Deity x Implied Deity Reader (can be Linked Universe or not) Drabble

Me, working on Act IIII and Act V of the LU Fairy Tale Collection: Alright so if we do this with slightly more sleep on us and figure a few things out for First I think it should be good to go-

Also Me: *remembers that because of the nature of the Fairy Tale Collection FD will be missing, is immediately assaulted with an idea, sighs, opening up a new WIP* You know what I'll come back to that, I can't not write for him if he's going to be left out.

For the FD Simps/lovers plus myself as I work on the Fairytale Collection, want to post two chapters at once and also crosspost on Ao3 plus life's been busy, apologies for the delay.

You were created from the breath of life itself.

You are the divinity found in the howling of winds cutting through the woods, the snarling of lightning down to the earth, attempting to touch something it may not have and scorch it so deeply new growth would flourish in a maddened frenzy, the sunlight kissing the ice tenderly though it may never do more than bring the crystalizing to shine, tears dripping knowingly from it's cold gaze as the water turns to rain, watering the land in it's unknowable grief in the closest way it could ever touch the sun in the sky. The joyful sound of wolves singing the moon's beauty with their howls, the birds merrily carrying the melody ever onwards so the sun may also partake of it, gleeful frolicking of fawns and foals discovering the world that the Golden Three left in their wake, the symphony of every animal and nature itself at it's finest.

You look at life itself and find divinity in everything.

So by the nature Farore so lovingly made sure you'd have, one would think you and the one hylians, hyruleans and beasts had dubbed 'The Fierce Deity' would never be able to coexist.

You've heard the one's watched over by your sister in divinity, ever watchful time herself with her diamond wings and gaze who pierced to the end of eternity itself with Nayru's patience whisper in primal terror and avarice drenched loathing about him to the trees in every corner of the land, heard beasts under the watch of death and rot himself curse his name to the winds and rain with as much ferocity and fury induced fear as the restless whispers of those denied existence, your brother in eternity with his shell of obsidian and the flames of Din's desire of consumption ever burning in his gaze daring not cross where the ivory and jade forged spirit passed. And of the horror and wonderment of your wild beings as they've hissed and howled and growled and screeched to the flowers and stones of nature.

A man like the hunt itself, divine without the vermeil breath of the primordial ones. The unrelenting slash of the blizzard gales in winter against any unfortunate to stand in their way, leaving the cold emptiness and silence behind, stealing the air from the lungs of living beings like the ocean for those unfortunate enough to fall with no sign of land. An ivory specter of death whom seemingly clawed himself from the void, an harbinger for the End with seemingly no rhyme or reason for those who he set his sights into, either to devour their divinity for himself or favor or bless.

A being like that should have been anathema to all you are and stand for. Or at least it's what anyone, including your divine sister and brother would reason.

Which is why you couldn't help but find it slightly comedic that the so called 'awful beast', capable of enacting such violence to consume divinity on a whim if tested. Was so very careful with you, head laid upon your lap in a rare moment of rest as you carefully weaved flowers into a crown.

You were curious, awfully so, like the foxes who roamed your woods in search of amusement and play, you just couldn't help yourself. You knew he was coming, how could you not, when the primal fear of living things echoed in the back of your mind, warning you as it warned animals of a bigger predator in the food chain? But you didn't run. Not in the face of narrowed, calculating pale eyes and alabaster hair and the scent of iron in the air, thick and old you couldn't mistake it for anything but blood and the marrow deep certainty of a lonsdaleite persistence.

Maybe you should of, in hindsight.

Instead you just blinked with evergreen curiosity, fascination bleeding from your lips before you could even think of stopping yourself, head tilted.

"My. Rumors are certainly exaggerated, you're beautiful."

The memory of his bewildered, flustered caution makes you smile a bit, as everything in between flowed naturally like spring petals on a breeze. You feel an armored hand on your cheek, so, so soft and careful, as if you were as fragile as a flower, and a calm, relaxed rumble of tourmaline lazy curiosity and aquamarine fondness, "Anything on your mind, my breath?"

You couldn't help your chuckle, emerald fondness running around the mosaic of your divinity as you gently run your hand through starlit hair, nuzzling the hand on your cheek and hoping to convey even half the warmth he gave you, "Reminiscing, worry not. Rest a bit more before you must go." You hear him sigh as you place the flower crown on his head, as pale as his hair, but as delicate as your sister in divinity's wings, threaded pthalo like the flame of his existence.

"... Must I? I was late this time, it's only proper I redeem myself for making you wait." He questions, reluctant and guilty in equal measure, fondness blooms over your lungs as you poke his nose, smiling bright, if dim as you answer him, "I'd dare not attempt to deny you your nature, I do not know what you hunt, what you're searching for. But it would be cruel to chain you."

The man many had dubbed 'Fierce Deity' nuzzles into your hand, nestling in close like a wolf over catch, you catch the hints of a frown on his face, "It's hardly chaining when I wish to stay, is it?"

Your breath almost is trapped in your lungs, but you shake yourself out of it, chuckling as you brush your lips over his markings, crimson affection as the carmine and lapis lazuli of his Hunt. The cheek of this man, for that's what you all are in the end, divinity or not, "Maybe not, though for all you rest here with me you still itch to run and hunt. Do you not, my dear warrior?"

The silence is only broken by the whispers of the leaves of the woods carried by the wind and the curious chirping of birds, his unwavering moonlit gaze giving away nothing. And it tells you enough.

You smile, brushing your noses together, spring breeze playful and sun warm, "If you're that worried, then just come back earlier, if you can. I'll have something new for you to look at, and I'll always wait. We have time."

In a flash, you find your positions reversed, your back and hair to the flowers and your wonderful, ever mischievous hunter above you, you yelp and you can't help but laugh before the sound is stolen by his lips. And he cradles your cheeky gently, so very kindly, and when he leans back he looks at you as if you're the first glimpse of water for a man in the desert, or the way a wolf longingly looks at the moon, and it cracks the phosphophylite of your soul and fills it with the gilded gold of emerald love, "... Thank you. I will not keep you waiting long again. I shall remain for now, though. The call can wait."

I love you. I want to stay with you.

"I know." Your hands gently thread through his hair, gleeful as you notice the rare curve of a smile as his cap lays abandoned in the glass, but your flower crown remains, "Be safe, when you do go. I'd be lovely if something happened."

I love you too.

He shakes his head, giving you an unimpressed look, "I cannot be harmed in any way that matters."

You fondly roll your eyes, pressing your index and middle finger to your lips, then touching it lightly against his own, he all but freezes. You refuse to allow him to distract you with admittedly charming affection, and you take the opportunity to tug him into your arms, shifting your positions so you can utilize him as a pillow, safer than you ever felt in your many eons of existence, more comfortable than the stars painting the canvas of the sky with their dance, "Promise me you'll be safe, and you can claim what's yours once you're back. For now I tire of your stubbornness."

You feel his chest rumble, maybe a laugh, maybe a purr or a growl, but he holds you close, steady and lovelier than even the world the goddesses created. "As you wish, my dearest blossom."

You both fall asleep to the songs of nature, you know he'll hunt again, you know he'll be gone soon like late night mist. But for now, a promise for an eternity of this, like how the mortals speak of, is enough.

[lunavagans]

II. Green and Blue + Origins of the Old Faith

Green

For Green, I decided to just go with aggressive woodland animals, since God of Chaos and all, and because I‘ve always sort of associated him with deer and the like, I went with a moose. The moss was an impulsive choice that went a little overboard; I wanted to make it similar to when moose shed the skin on their antlers and it looks like a massacre, except that it doesn‘t here because it‘s obviously just clingy flora. The cloak is, of course, based off of the ones that the CotL bishops wear, but with a more „hyrulean“ twist. The faint pattern on it is supposed to resemble tree bark, but eh. Also, if you look at the references, you‘ll notice the blood on the bandages is red, while black liquid is oozing around there. None of that here, gods have black blood now.

Blue

Same cloak as the others, with a hood for Reasons, and an extra accessory with gold Old Faith ornaments for Reasons. I chose to stick to marine animals and venom and chose dog sharks in the end (which the crown has the inspiration from obviously), but didn‘t have any opportunity to really get that in, because all the parts of the body where those light spots would be are either covered up or on the back. So I stuck to making his skin patchy - I tried and failed to portray the drastic contrast in texture, but hm. I also really wanted to get the water tunic from Twilight Princess in there somewhere, but again: failure. The only remnant from it is the lighter over-tunic thing with the tails in the front and back. I‘ll be honest, I hated how it turned out before, but I think blue boy‘s growing on me now. On another note, does english also have the phrase „shark smile“?? I‘m curious and can‘t find anything.

Origins of the Old Faith

Green, Blue, Red and Vio were born into a cult of a god eager for suffering, raised as lambs to the slaughter and only named after the colours used to mark and differentiate between them. While care was taken that they were physically fit and this worthy sacrifices, no one was allowed or willing to be close to them that could have told them their relations to each other or why they were chosen; the only thing they know is that magic was likely involved in their creation.

One day, the four managed to escape their enclosures and fled into the nearby woods to hide. These woods, however, wound up being infested with strange mechanical warriors attacking them at sight, and this, paired with other beings of the forest, caused the groups severe injuries. They found a crypt to hide within, and in that crypt, four strange crowns with eyes embedded in them. They made the impulsive decision to take the crowns, their wounds healing and their features twisting into something similar to the images of the god they were intended for.

Zelda, alerted by her creations, finds and leads them out of them forest, offering them refuge in her abode at the entrance. However, she makes clear that they‘re first and foremost thieves to her; the goods they have stolen can‘t be given back without their deaths by virtue of the nature of the crowns, though, which she doesn‘t wish for. Thus, she chooses to keep them with her until they can make her an offer that is equal to four of her treasures being stolen.

The four kept to themselves and many outbursts and discussions were had before a conclusion was made: they would conquer the land themselves, abolishing sacrifices, taking their revenge on the cult that had born them as cattle, and making the most of of these powers that they now had, for better or worse. Zelda accepted their offer of protection of her treasury and the secrecy thereof; they would do their best so their own deed wouldn‘t occur again by the hands of others.

The four had numbers on their side, as groups of gods were unheard of, and with violence, negotiations and sieges, they carved out increasingly bigger pieces of the land for themselves to name it Hyrule. Their name grew in fame and their following in numbers, and soon they were known as the Old Faith, the cult to persist the longest in and through an age characterized by war between gods.

One day, while scavenging in a prairie to the borders of their territory, they found yet another crown and brought it to Zelda to safekeep. She identified it as one granting its wearer dominion over death, and, as one familiar with divine powers, understood that this would also give them power over life itself, a nigh unparalleled concept. She shared this insight with the four, and together, lacking the knowledge of how to destroy it, they made the choice to hide it in the core of her treasury, even catching a bat-like wind spirit to guard it in addition to traps and mechas.

Below the cut: images of Leshy and Kallamar as reference and links to the other parts

I. Zelda + Setting the stage

III. Red and Vio + The war against Ganon

IV. Shadow + The prophecy and the crusades

V. Ganon + The grand finale

[echoing--stars]

Hi Wormy, I hope you’re well, and I kinda wanna see Rowan's POV on his kidnapping. If you please.

Youuuuuuuu......

(It's okay, I enjoy angst/whump on occasion).

I suppose this is a prequel to this snippet.

(If you read this and would like to request a short snippet, see this post!)

Rowan tried to bite back a yawn as he put the bag of flour away. It had been a long day in the bakery, and he still had a lot of prep work to do before tomorrow. He wanted to get everything done before Link got home so they could enjoy their evening together and not have to worry about work. He figured it would still be a while before Link returned, however. It wasn’t even dinner time yet and he’d gotten back later than that nearly every day this week.

Or he thought that would be the case until he heard the back door open. “Link?” When he received no answer, Rowan frowned. He slid the bowl of flour away from the edge of the counter and hung the dish towel he’d been holding on a nearby hook. He walked towards the door. Maybe Link had his hands full and was too distracted to answer. But when he caught sight of the backdoor, it wasn’t Link walking in. There was a thick fog rolling in through the door, too thick and quick to be natural. And then through the fog stepped one of the largest men that Rowan had ever seen. He had shining red armor, too sharp and spiked to be a the armor of a knight from the Hyrulean army. A helmet with protruding metal horns shadowed his face and a long plume of orange hair streamed from the back. Rowan took a step back. He recognized the man — the disgraced knight Volga, traitor to the kingdom and presumed dead after the war. Volga stepped towards him with a speed and confidence that only made Rowan’s heart beat faster. He glanced behind him, trying to find a weapon or an escape route. He wasn’t sure he could reach either in time. “Mr. Hawthorne. How nice to meet you.” Rowan didn’t respond. His back hit the kitchen counter, and he grasped behind himself, hoping to find a kitchen utensil or something. The fog rolled into the kitchen, swirling at his feet and beginning to rise around him. “Speechless, hmm? I suppose I do have that effect on people. Link certainly couldn’t speak around me.” Volga stepped forward towards Rowan. His looming presence made the kitchen shrink around Rowan. As he came closer, Rowan could see the light glinting against Volga’s teeth as his grin turned sharp. “Now, I hope you’ll come quietly. We need to have words with Captain Link.” Rowan opened his mouth — to protest or scream or question, he wasn’t even sure. Before he could make a sound, something grabbed his head at the temples. The grip was cold as ice. The fingers were tight and bony against his skin, and from where they touched, a shockwave of ice cold pain shot through him. Rowan gasped and his knees buckled as his connection to his limbs seemed to be severed. The fog rose up around him as his vision went spotty. The last thing he heard was a cackling laughter and Volga scolding someone before his vision went black and he knew no more.

[dewcrow]

Lizalfos/Dinolfos: How Would I Make Them A Race?

The cold blood of the two reptilian races of Hyrule limits their preferred environments to warm regions like Eldin and Gerudo, and the harsh conditions of such regions has hardened them into a warrior race that values power and courage over wisdom, to the point where they were initially hostile to outsiders. Because of this hostility, they were demonized in Hyrulean legends until the Royal Family of Hyrule funded studies that revealed evidence overturning the historical record, including temples and monuments related to lizard-like figures. The Lizalfos and Dinolfos were hesitant to accept the kingdom’s attempt to patch up relations but did so when emissaries of the kingdom presented their findings and offered them land on which to build new temples and statues. Since then, the two races have been welcomed into the kingdom and spread to the Faron and Lanayru regions, although most remain in Eldin and Gerudo.

The Lizalfos and Dinolfos have a similar relationship to that of the Hylians and the Sheikah. The Sheikah were believed to be servants of the goddess Hylia and thus served as advisors to the Royal Family of Hyrule, and the Lizalfos hold the Dinolfos in similar esteem. The tougher skin and more fearsome appearance of the Dinolfos calls to mind the image of Dodongo, one of two legendary beasts featured prominently in the races’ iconography; the other is Volvagia, a red dragon with flaming horns thought to be the primordial ancestor of all reptiles. Supposedy, Dodongo came the closest to rivalling Volvagia’s strength that any reptile has ever gotten, and some Lizalfos and Dinolfos believe it to be the reincarnation of the dragon.

In accordance with the beliefs surrounding Dodongo and Volvagia, the Lizalfos and Dinolfos are to be jointly ruled by two chieftains, one from each race, and this in turn is the basis for a cultural emphasis on pairing. Most Lizalfos are trained from youth to fight in pairs, and since all Lizalfos and Dinolfos are ambidextrous, it is easy for warriors to develop a tag-team fighting style that relies on each individual using the opposing hand. This system is so important to the Lizalfos that techniques for fighting solo are taught only in the event of absolute necessity, and most Lizalfos do not travel without a partner. Like the Zora, most Lizalfos do not wear much in the way of armor, either.

Male and female Lizalfos/Dinolfos are not too different physiologically, but females have slightly curvier bodies. It is common for a brother and a sister to pair up as warriors, although many Lizalfos choose instead to pair up with close friends or lovers. Amusingly, the lack of gender restrictions makes male Lizalfos a common sight at the gates of Gerudo Town as they sit around waiting for their partners to return to them.

As far as relations with the other races go, Lizalfos and Dinolfos are most comfortable associating with the Sheikah or the Rito, as these are the races with which they share cultural keystones such as the training of young warriors and connections to the divine. By contrast, they have mixed feelings about the Gorons, being impressed with their strength but confused by their gentle nature.

Some sample quotes for Lizalfos/Dinolfos NPC’s:

“If you have bugs - or Rupees - I have elixirs. Don’t worry; Lizalfos can get the benefits of elixirs just by eating bugs, so I don’t need these.”

“I hate waiting around like this - it’d at least be bearable if I had a monster to fight…”

“Oh, I get it. You’re one of those guys who still thinks Volvagia was a Goron-eater. I’ve got nothing more to say to you, then.”

“The Chieftains have agreed to meet with you, Link. I hope they are as grateful to have your aid to call upon as I am.”

“Hey, Hylian! Wanna scrap?…Hah! Only joking.”

“I’m so tempted to get those Cuccos to attack me so I can build my endurance.” (“Don’t do it, you idiot!”)

“You’re Link, huh? I heard you’re as strong as they come. You should come with me and my partner, then. We’re heading to a Bokoblin camp soon - gonna show them what Lizalfos technique looks like.”

“You look like I could flatten you with one hand, but I sense that you possess far greater strength…Hylians are full of surprises.”

“If you want to fight, you can just say it. No need to stare like that.”

“I’m in a bad mood because the last monster I encountered on the road died too easily. If you know a place where I can find a strong foe, let’s hear about it.”

[dinrelsanddragons]

@gallant-gained cont'd from ask

Siegbert knew that it was impolite to stare, but he couldn't help but gawk at the man just for a moment. He'd never seen anyone like him before; not even his uncle possessed such features! "Ah, w-well met, Sir Taunch," he smiled cordially. "I am pleased and grateful to meet someone brave enough to protect Her Highness with his life. If you need anything, please feel free to ask."

Taunch continued to smile. "I see you are transfixed, I suppose, by my nature. I am a half-dragon. While folk such as myself are quite the uncommon sight in Hyrule, somehow the Hyrulean royal guard has several draconic individuals associated, not the least of whom is my comrade Armok, a stone dragon." The ease and kindness with which he spoke indicated he was more than used to it– both sides of it; the stares of admiration, and the stones from those who did not understand.

"I find myself curious about the dragons that once inhabited, and perhaps may still inhabit, this land of Nohr and its neighbors. I have heard your uncle Prince Corrin is a dragon? I'm very interested." It was an honest curiosity, and hard to blame Taunch for.

[clockwise-works]

No because these tags, same! Like incredibly slim chance. Buuutttt I may be biased cause I have ONE specific scene in mind that kinda hinges on Link being a biological father. 😅

(I got carried away with this one, but blame Zora May! It's got that Miphlink bug dancing around in my mind double time.)

In their first few months after hatching, Zora hatchlings will either stay in community pools or private fish tank-esc pools if the parents wish for privacy. It's for the Hatchling's development, as they will begin to grow out a body and legs over that period, learning to swim, use their gills and mouth manually, use echo location for their surroundings as it takes a while for their eyes to open, the standard experience.

The two decide to go the private route, as they wish to monitor their child personally as opposed to the expected royalty aids offered to them. In this time, Link's a worried mess. In this lifetime there has NEVER been a half Zora half Hylian child, there's no prior data or experiences to pull from. Sure, Purah, Zelda, and the best of the best of Hyrulean Scientists have ensured the child's safety, but none of them are truly experts in genetics.

What if something goes wrong. What if the child, due to the Hylian part of their brain chemistry, attempts to switch to manual air breathing and can't switch back? What if the child can't process the food given to growing hatchlings? For all they know the child could have a Hylian digestive system. What if...

He worries. They both do, but Link' worry expresses itself differently. He's quiet, and when there's an issue, he wishes to handle it himself. So, most nights he finds himself restless with worry. Tossing and turning, running worse cause scenarios back to back. It reaches a point where he's watching the hatchling during night, whether they be swimming or sleeping. Link likes watching them, usually Mipha will join him once she determines he's gone.

They talk, she works through his worries and him through her's. She ensures him that the child is safe. That Purah, out of desire to monitor the first half Zora, has taken up residency at the Seabed inn for the time being if something happens. But they still worry, as any new parent would.

Any day now the child's eyes should open, and yet the child is a little behind their peers. They're ensured this is perfectly normal. Some Zora open their eyes later than others, Bazz being an example (Sidon is the other extreme, opening his eyes much sooner than expected). It could be a result of Link's hylian DNA, and the child will go through extra steps to reach the same level as their peers. The child DOES have two different instincts from different races, so for them even swimming or walking may take extra time to get down.

One night they find themselves at the child's tank once more, admiring the life before them. Between war, time travel, and political pressure its a miracle this is even a possibility. Just a few months ago they didn't even think this could be possible, no one did, and yet here they were.

The hatchling continues to swim back and forth, full of restless energy. Occasionally Link sticks his arm in gently, as instructed by other Zora fathers to ensure the child develops a bond with them and can distinguish their color and scent. But on this one particular night, something changes.

Their eyes open.

But this was not the average yellows of a Zora's standard eye color, nor was it the more golden amber color shared between Mipha and Sidon.

They were bright blue. A shimmering blue reflecting the hues of the Luminous Stones in the room. This was.... this was unexpected.

And at the sight of this, the two are in shock. Mouths agape, frozen in surprise. A million things coursing through their minds. But only for a moment. For it gives way to pure happiness.

Mipha wraps her arm around Link, with a smile unlike any most people have seen. Large and toothy, free of her more reserved nature. A smile only select few have seen within the last few years. Before her now, her child had inherited one of her favorite attributes of her life partner. That the few naysayers who have begun the rumor of their marriage being one of political strategy, that this child couldn't possibly be of Hylian nature as well, would now lose their foothold. Sure, it was only a small handful of people, and she knew she shouldn't listen to the minority of doubters, but one can only hear whispers of their marriage being one devoid of love for so long. This child was living proof of their love. The child was the incarnate of hope and love, of perseverance.

Link finds himself wiping away a tear of joy and love. He knew he'd always love any child of theirs, no matter what. Whether it was a child that did not resemble him in the slightest or was a child of surrogacy not biologically related to him, it did not matter to him. They would be his child. But this? To see a part of him, a part of his family now living on with this child, it's incredible. Perhaps he lost his family during The Calamity War. Maybe not, but regardless to see his own eyes staring back at him is a feeling he thought he'd never have. They almost lost. Mipha and the other Champions almost lost their lives in their Beasts. Link almost lost his life to the Blights at Fort Hateno. And yet, before them now was a new beginning.

I'm looking at the Zora May prompts and wanna write stuff, and now my brain's just giggling with ideas LOL like--

Imagine, after Age of Calamity, that Link and Mipha get together. That has its whole set of fun and drama - a Hylian/Zora marriage would mean a lot anyway, but particularly when it's the Zora princess and the Hero of Hyrule. Link and Mipha start to have a family, Zelda is settling into being queen, and they all have their own set of stressors and joys and the three are still besties and it would be just so funny to see y'all. Like... Link takes his oath as a knight seriously, so he still assists Hyrule often, and just this scenario in my head came and--

Zelda, sighing: I hardly slept last night. I was up late researching the latest Zonai discoveries and almost forgot I had a meeting with the Rito delegation this morning. I'm so tired.

Link, hair a mess, on his third cup of coffee after dealing with one of his kids having a meltdown while the other kept everyone up crying all night, dealing with Mipha also trying to do royal duties, having just teleported over here via Sheikah towers: .....That sounds rough.

[holdingmyworldsdestiny]

ooc:

Didn’t want to have to do this but I need to make a tags page now that I have tags more established

so Tag dump B(

[powdermelonkeg]

Hyrule Broadcast Announcement

The signs of Ganon's return are as follows:

The most recent daughter born to the royal family has the Mark of the Gods on her dominant hand. Status: Confirmed

Poes begin to die, and become more hostile. The souls they were ferrying return to their mortal forms corrupted, bringing about the undead. NOTE: STALCHILDREN MAY APPEAR IN THE FIELDS AT NIGHT. PLEASE STAY IN YOUR VEHICLES AND TRAVEL IN PAIRS WHEN GOING BETWEEN CITIES. Report any undead sightings to your nearest Guard Office. Status: Reported

Monster outbreaks become more frequent. Monsters are known to frequently develop eyes or other similar weak points in their forms, presumably as conduits for Ganon to enter. Monsters become more hostile and organized. Report any monster sightings to your nearest Guard Office. Status: Reported

Magic as a whole becomes weakened. Magical spells and barriers require more power to maintain, as their magic is drained for Ganon's use. Please consult your doctor before attributing magical failure to Calamity. Status: Unconfirmed

The Lost Woods expand, luring in more unsuspecting travelers. Passage near Aboda Province's Deku Forest is unadvised. Status: Confirmed

Worldwide outbreak of fairies is observed. Fairies have been known to appear in times of natural disaster, but non-Calamity fairy outbreaks are almost entirely localized to the disaster. ALERT: Fairy fever is on the rise. If you have any known allergies to fairy dust, please stay away from gardens and large outdoor areas unaccompanied. Consult your doctor about fairy fever medication. Report increased fairy sightings to the Interprovincial Fairy Hotline. Status: Confirmed

Death Mountain erupts, while otherwise dormant for centuries at a time. Report any seismic activity in the Crenel Province to the Death Mountain Watch website. Status: Unconfirmed

The Blood Moon rises on an inconsistent schedule. The regular schedule for Blood Moon appearances is twice a year. Status: Unconfirmed

The Master Sword glows when the Hero draws near. If you or anyone you know bears the Mark of the Gods on their dominant hand, please call the Hyrule Crisis Hotline to set up a verification appointment. Status: Unconfirmed

Weak points in reality between realms wear thin, leading to (but not limited to) - Mirages - Bottomless pits - Small temporal anomalies - Hidden grottos - Access to Great Fairy fountains Please note that Great Fairy fountains themselves are not an indicator of upcoming Calamity, as fairy fountains can appear intermittently throughout Hyrule; rather, the consistent location of fairy fountains should be regarded with caution. ON BOTTOMLESS PITS: If you or anyone you know falls into what you think may be a bottomless pit, call your local Guard Office for assistance. Bottomless pits violently eject what has been thrown into them, and impact may cause injury. Status: Reported

Monster infestation of places containing notable divine power. Some monsters may gorge themselves on the available magic and become large and dangerous. Archaeology expeditions have been placed on hiatus until further notice. Status: Reported

Reports of the above-mentioned activity should be reported directly to the Hyrulean Crisis Hotline as quickly as possible. Evacuation assistance is readily available 24/7.

If you or a loved one has been impacted negatively by the return of Ganon, you may be entitled to financial compensation.

NOTE: ANY AND ALL REPORTS OF THE PRINCESS BEARING THE MARK WILL BE IGNORED, AND REPORTS BLACKLISTED. It is common knowledge that High Princess Zelda CCCXCVIII bears the Mark of the Gods.

This message has been approved by the Calamity Watch, official first responders of the Greater Commonwealth of Hyrule.

[flutefemme]

Fireside Touch

by Flutefemme

Hey, guys! I got a little inspiration and wrote a short thing....hehe

Link by nature wasn't typically inclined to affection. He had entered the King's service as a very young man, and had an intense training schedule as soon as he could safely swing a decent-sized weapon. Under the scrutinizing eye of his father, his childhood, preteen, and early teen years were spent outside learning all manner of weapon types, combat techniques, sparring lessons, and field experience. He would often tag along on missions with the royal knights as his father led the Hyrulean army in all manner of kingdom business. His father groomed him to be the expert knight that he was, and he never got the opportunity to practice much of anything else essential to a boy learning to be a man other than discipline, respect, and honor to the crown.

His training did not allow him to attend the village school with his peers. He was most often with his father at the castle, and had an assigned tutor for his studies so as not to interfere with his training regimen that took place on the castle grounds each day. He received a classical education as most royals would have gotten, but he did not have much of an opportunity to interact with children his age, save for the other young men his age that had entered into the young Hyrulean knight training school as he did. And he certainly had never gotten much practice talking with girls. The first time he ventured to Castletown with a group of knights on a rare day off, he had been wandering through the market, came face-to-face with a pretty red-haired girl and promptly turned every shade of red as she attempted to sell him some apples from her farm. After that experience, he tried to avoid girls at all cost to prevent showing himself to be the absolute fool he was at casual conversation.

So when he was appointed as the princess of Hyrule's personal knight (after an unfortunate incident with a guardian experiment-gone-awry where he managed to save a considerable amount of people with a mere pot lid), to say he was nervous was the biggest understatement in Hyrule's history. This was not something he could avoid. He would eventually have to talk to her.

To make matters even worse, she could barely stand the sight of him. He didn't bother talking because his mere presence elicited a rise out of her--and not a good rise. After what seemed like the thousandth time of getting yelled at, he began to grow desperate for a way to make things less excruciating for the both of them.

And then came the trip to Gerudo town. She intentionally slipped away to elude him at the Kara Kara Bazaar (she would regularly try to find reasons to "lose" him) and for the first time, he hadn't seen when she left. Frantically running around the area looking for any trace of her, he ventured further out toward the southern end and caught a glimpse of golden hair running across the sand. He had barely gotten to her in time, but managed to save her from a deadly encounter with the yiga. And for the first time, she saw him. Really saw him.

That night, as they set out their campsite for yet another trip to pray at yet another goddess statue, she had timidly asked if he would lay his bedroll next to hers as they camped out under the stars. As he cooked up several mushroom skewers, she started asking him questions about why he was so quiet, and about what it was like to be a royal knight. Tongue-tied and red-faced, he managed to carry on a decent verbal conversation with her for the first time. 

Now, nearly three months later, talking to the princess wasn't nearly as difficult as that first night. He even found himself looking forward to their chats--which were mostly her talking, but he didn't mind that at all--and ever since their Gerudo trip, he dutifully laid his bedroll next to hers (not too close), watched her while she fell asleep, and watched her while she slept. 

To say the princess was pretty would have been a gross understatement. She was incredibly beautiful, and in the glow of the firelight, her hair glimmered with an otherworldy radiance. Her perfect, porcelain skin shimmered, and her long eyelashes rested on her rosy cheeks as the sound of her rhythmic breathing accompanied the low crackle of the fire. As Link lay on his side facing her, head in hand, he smiled. This was his favorite part of the day. Watching the princess sleep. He could stare openly without feeling shame or awkwardness, and he sighed contentedly.

Zelda shifted slightly in her sleep, and a strand of hair fell into her face.

Link blinked. He waited for her to brush it back in her sleep as she typically did, but she didn't move.

His fingers twitched at his side. A warm feeling began low in his stomach and rose up to his chest. He felt the hair on the back of his neck get prickly, and he swallowed. 

Goddess, he wanted to touch her.

He propped himself up a bit more on his elbow, and leaned closer to her face. His arm moved toward the edge of his bedroll.

Time stood still. He had never touched a girl's face before, let alone the princess. But the pull was so strong. He clenched his fingers into a tight fist as he slowly lifted it off the ground. Flexing and unflexing, his hand stayed, suspended, just in front of her left cheek. Letting out a shaky sigh, his fingers tentatively moved forward, tenderly grasping the golden, glowing strand and slowly tucking it behind her ear, his fingers lingering on the soft skin of her earlobe for a moment before returning his hand to his bedroll in front of him.

He let out another shaky breath and closed his eyes. 

Goddess, she was beautiful. 

[volganic]

Song of Tragedy

[part 1] [part 2] [part 3] [part 4] [part 5] [part 6] || [AO3]

im excited to post this bc ive had this sitting in my drafts for months now and its finally time to share it ps this chapter is a lot sadder if u listen to this on repeat bc man it killed me back then and still does now tw for blood and someone missing body parts...... >:^)

Bring my men home safely…

.

.

.

Volga’s head snapped upward with a vaguely familiar scent assaulting his nostrils. No, this wasn’t the smell of the impending storm headed toward the mountain. It permeated through the air like a dense cloud, filling his lungs to capacity and driving his instincts into overdrive.

Blood.

Was one of his kin wounded? Impossible. With a storm looming overhead he knew it would be unwise to send Lizalfos scouts out in search of food. So where was it coming from?

The dragon knew that his servants had also smelt it as the silent caves began to stir with a chorus of curious growling. A select few of the drakes tagged along with their master through the winding tunnels to find the source of the sickening smell outside of the entrance to the cavern.

The silhouette of a man stood at the mouth of the cave.

Volga waved the chieftains away to rush to the stranger’s side. The jeweled hilt of the Magical Sword — though bloodied — gave his identity away; Link looked so strange wearing anything else but his usual attire that appointed him as the legendary hero. The armor he wore — Hyrulean captain’s armor — made him look smaller than he actually was, but whatever mistook him for easy prey met a terrible demise with the amount of blood that splattered the silver steel red.

It was unlike the hero to quite literally be shaking in his boots. He didn’t move a muscle as the dragon removed the tarnished helmet. Link’s eyes were hollow and sunken in, and his face was white as if he had seen a ghost. Trails of tears shed not long ago stained his cheeks as Volga drew closer. 

“Link… What happened?”

It was dawn by the time the group continued on their journey to the forest. They had settled in a secluded clearing for the night; the promise of monsters lurking in the field after dusk was at an all-time high, and it was difficult to move one horse through the black of night, much less a group of four of them. Link donned traditional Hyrulean armor should they had the unfortunate meeting with any enemy captains on the way — better to not send the message that Hyrule was left defenseless without the hero at base. 

However, the hero noticed the air between him and his men changed. Something was wrong, and he couldn’t place a finger on it. His questions were waved off as nerves getting the better of him. They were fit enough to follow orders.

By mid-morning, the two soldiers were complaining of an excruciating headache. The other captain eventually admitted to experiencing it as well, but suffered in silence to not jeopardize their progress. Link hoped that the apples from the night before played no part in their ailment, seeing as he himself felt fine. His men continued to assure him that they were capable of marching onward without any more interruptions. Link, unconvinced, weighed his options: either he sends his men back to base and disobey Impa’s orders, or have them persist through it until the end. With the edge of the woods so close…

Epona came to an abrupt stop when Link tugged on her reins. The sound of one soldier collapsing off his horse forced him to stop and turn around to look. He clutched his head and screamed in agony as the other soldier held his stomach. The second captain refused to show any evidence of weakness, though his shoulders trembled violently.

What was going on?

Link dismounted from his saddle and sifted through one of his packs on Epona’s side to find a bottle — any bottle — of potion. Concern and panic etched across his face as he struggled to concentrate. Why were they hurting so suddenly? What was causing them pain? Why them? Why was he not experiencing their pain? 

What in Hylia’s name was going on?

He grabbed the small flask of red potion and hurried to the fallen soldier, turning him on his back. As he continued to scream, the soldier’s eyes opened and began to change color right before Link’s very own eyes, hazel irises washing away into an unnatural deep violet. Link remained in place, frozen in shock. His soldier’s cries of agony couldn’t drown out the sound of a sword being unsheathed, the sound of a horse’s hooves coming closer — the white gleam of his fellow captain’s blade reflecting off the sunlight drew his attention away. He looked up, the captain’s sword pointed at him —

“Link?”

The dragon placed a heavy hand on the boy’s shoulder to urge him to focus. 

Link finally blinked, startled by the contact, and came out of his stupor. Frantically, he looked around and, having realized where he was, distress came across his face as he willed himself not to dissolve into tears again, especially in front of Volga. He had worked so hard to prove himself capable of being accepted into the dragon’s clan, to bear the burden of being the legendary hero — it would be an insult to cry in front of the only person who had built him up so far to this point. However, he couldn’t bring himself to speak with his throat tightening and his breath quickening. Link pulled away from Volga’s hand and pushed the helmet of his own fellow captain into his clawed hands.

Volga didn’t have much of a choice and accepted the helmet. He frowned. The first thing he noticed was how uncharacteristically silent his friend was being. Usually he had acted as if the caves were his own home, filling the air with a million words of utter nonsense — but this, he realized, was not the usual friendly visit. He didn’t like this at all.

The dragon examined the helmet. Something was beginning to seep through the claws of his gauntlets and painting them a dark red. Volga turned the helmet in his hands and noticed the “blood” along the rim was still fresh. It smelled just as metallic as blood, but it was anything but natural — it reeked of something he couldn’t describe.

Then, he noticed that the helmet had a good amount of weight to it. No, this was considerably heavier than Link’s helmet that he had taken off minutes prior. Volga’s frown deepened at the thought and assumed the worst. It couldn’t be…

Claws tentatively lifted the visor for a closer look. He immediately dropped it when his worst suspicions had come to light, proven to be true. He didn’t care to look to see where the decapitated head of a Hyrulean captain had rolled off to, instead looking to see where Link had gone. 

The Hylian’s armor creaked as he bolted away from the entrance of the caves to vomit. Volga stood by and watched, cautiously approaching, but was met with an arm out to wordless tell him to keep away. The hero didn’t need any more of his dignity being taken away from being coddled as he emptied what was left in his stomach. Volga complied and stayed an arm’s length away.

It felt like an eternity passed before a clap of thunder rumbled over their heads. The storm was beginning to draw even closer and Link was in no condition to be thrown back out into the wilderness. Link scrubbed bile off the corner of his mouth as he looked to the dark clouds above, then at Volga curiously. The dragon nodded once and signaled for the boy to follow, unable to keep his eyes on the pitiful expression. He wouldn’t survive the trek down the mountain with the torrential rain on its way.

Once they were back inside, Link brushed past the dragon and collapsed onto the nearest boulder with a heavy thud. Volga followed suit and took to kneeling in front of his friend, his expression softening as he looked at him. Link was strong, but not unmovable by the wreckage of war. The dragon said nothing, giving Link the freedom to say what he needed at his own pace.

“I— I-It was…” his voice cracked with every syllable, his throat still aching from the abuse earlier. “It wasn’t—”

“Take as long as you need.”

Link couldn’t hold Volga’s gaze any longer, dipping his sight to the rocks underneath his feet. His armored shoulders began to shake as he processed what had transpired. It was supposed to be a simple scouting mission. Impa had trusted him. It wasn’t supposed to end in failure, much less…

Weakly, Link brought his head back up and held his hands up to sign. He couldn’t speak through his voice, and tears welled up in the corners of his eyes as he realized he couldn’t bring himself to formulate words with his hands as he had done for so many years before. Sensing his frustration, Volga took one of Link’s hands in his own, rubbing gentle circles into the back of his hand. Link’s walls threatened to crumble at that point, but with a shuddering breath, he took to spelling it out instead.

T-r-a-i-t-o-r-s.

[hyruviandoctor]

Soft Petals, Chapter II

Here it is! I finally finished the next chapter of Soft Petals, and I hope you enjoy it!

The camp was quiet as Link and Zelda approached it, the last embers of the fire struggling to remain ablaze as the night began to envelop it. Link, having long since lit a torch from his pack, attempted to relight the fire and succeeded in getting a small, warm flame that bathed the surrounding tents in a gentle glow. Taking off her pack, Zelda sat down on a log near the fire and let out an exhausted sigh.

Their trip had taken longer than she had anticipated, and she was glad to be back in the safety of camp. Monsters hadn’t been nearly as much of a problem since the Calamity had been defeated, especially since the disappearance of the Blood Moon meant they no longer reappeared after death, but they still roamed the lands and could be dangerous if ran into while unprepared. Not that Link was ever unprepared, but she still worried. She’d lost too much already, and she wasn’t about to lose Link too. He mattered too much to her.

The princess and the swordsman had become close over the last few months, to the point where things had become romantic between them. They believed they had managed to keep it quiet, but they were much less subtle than they thought. All of their friends could tell plain as day that the two were romantically involved, and they definitely weren’t the quietest when they shared a bedchamber. But out of respect for the heroes, and because it was infinitely funny to watch them try and pretend they weren’t a couple, people like Impa and Bolson kept quiet and chuckled to themselves.

Link sat down next to Zelda and she put her head on his shoulder, prompting him to kiss the top of it as he handed her a plate of food he had prepared from stuff in the meal pack. He watched as her eyes lit up at the sight of the small piece of cake he had packed specifically for her, smiling as she scarfed down the rest of the meal so she could get to it faster. He considered it very lucky that he had managed to find her favorite recipe sitting in a book in the castle’s ruined library. The smile that broke across her face the first time he surprised her with it was a sight burned into his mind forever, a memory he would cherish for the rest of his life.

Link frowned. How often before his hundred years’ sleep had he thought the same thing? How many unforgettable memories had escaped from his consciousness while he slept? They seemed to be slowly returning to him, but he had no way of knowing how many would eventually come back. Even more worrisome, he had no idea how many of his memories were truly memories and how many were simply creations of his own mind, conjured up to fill in the gaps with something – anything – to keep himself sane.

He shook his head fervently, clearing the fog from his mind. No sense in worrying about that. Better to enjoy his life now and make new memories to cherish. He was young still. Not technically, he supposed, as it had been well over 100 years since his birth, but he retained his pre-Calamity 19-year-old body and mind. He had plenty of time to enjoy all that life had to offer, and now that he had Zelda by his side again he felt like not a single second of his life was a waste.

Zelda gave Link a quick peck on his cheek.

“Thank you for making dinner, hero.”

She stood up, taking his empty plate from him and setting the two near the rest that had been discarded by their traveling companions.

“Now what do you say we get to bed, huh?” she asked, reaching her hand out to him with a wink.

Link grinned, taking her hand as she pulled him along towards her tent.

“Tonight,” she whispered, “you can stand watch from inside.”

Paya stood beneath a tree on a hill just outside of camp, her eyes fixed on the couple as they entered Zelda’s tent. She’d been standing watch for the camp for a couple hours now, her Sheikah stealth armor helping to keep her hidden from any monsters or passersby. She had a soft, sad smile on her lips as she watched the princess and her swordsman flirt. She loved Link, that much she knew, and she couldn’t deny that her heart ached to see him with someone else, but she did her best to support the two’s romance. They deserved each other, really. Link and Zelda had been through so much together, had been so irreversibly entwined since long before she was born, and they seemed genuinely happy together. For now she would give them all the support and friendship they would take, as being close to them and being their friend mattered more than anything to her. She cared just as deeply for Zelda as she did for Link, and they had welcomed her into their circle with open arms.

Paya had to admit that it was intimidating being friends with royalty, and that wasn’t limited to just the Hyrulean royals. Since becoming a part of Link and Zelda’s friend circle she had been introduced to the leaders and elders of all the races in Hyrule, and she often found herself blushing with nervousness whenever one addressed her personally. The Gerudo especially turned her beet red with embarrassment, as she wasn’t used to wearing such revealing clothes – especially around Link - and being around so many strong and beautiful women. Prince Sidon, on the other hand, had managed to get her out of her shell after just a few minutes, and in him she found a fast friend. They both cared deeply for Link, albeit in different ways, and Sidon’s enthusiasm for life was contagious to the point where Paya found herself being more social and less jumpy around everyone.

Where Paya thrived, however, was the silence of nature. She enjoyed being alone with her thoughts, and being on watch gave her plenty of time for that. She had volunteered to go along with the princess’ company in order to fulfill what she felt was her duty to serve the crown, just as her grandmother and their ancestors had for generations. She also had wanted a chance to spend more time with Link, but that was neither here nor there.

Paya heard a playful giggle from the direction of Zelda’s tent and shook her head with a smile. She pulled her mask back up over her mouth and turned to resume her patrol, the moon reflecting gently off her silver hair as she walked silently into the night.

[fioreofthemarch]

May I request some post-calamity zelink makeouts? Oh pretty, pretty please? For Christmas?

I said I’d post this on Christmas and here it is! Happy Holidays everyone, I tried to make this not too specifically Christmas-y out of respect for other cultures/traditions. 

Winter’s Warmth

Words: 3000Pairing: Link/ZeldaSummary: To celebrate the winter solstice, Link and Zelda invite the four new Champions to celebrate with them at Hyrule Castle. Notes: This is cheesy as all hell, you’ve been warned.

The kingdom of Hyrule was as richas kingdoms come; its tremendous varietyof cultures and traditions traced their origins down the long line of historyback to the very first Hyruleans. Much of it has been lost – no one quiteknew, for instance, why the Hyrule insignia borethe wings of a bird, though the Rito naturally claimed referred to them somehow – but the people retained what theycould. From the miasma, they formed new traditions, new holidays and new waysto come together to celebrate the poetic rarity that was their sharedexistence. One such holiday was the Winter Solstice, known to most Hyruleans asWinter’s Depth.

It came towards the end of the year when snows blanketed most of Hyrule, and the days grewuncomfortably short. The sun would rise late, and the Hyruleans scurried aboutto complete their daily tasks before the sun setagain but a few hours later. In this shadowed time, the people turned inwards,turned to each other, and where bickering and dispute would separate them, theyunited. Even if just for a few days. While Winter’sDepth brought the harshest of winds and the coldest of snows, Winter’s Depth also brought warmth fromwithin.

At this time, a few years into the reign of the first Queenof Hyrule since the Great Calamity, the new Castle Town was transformed bydecorations celebrating the holiday. No matter their origins, every travellerwho passed through the town came away raving of its beauty. And the evening ofthe solstice, four very important travellers made their way to Hyrule Castle:the young King of the Zora, Sidon, the Chief of the Gerudo, Riju, the reveredRito Warrior, Teba, and a youthful Goron brawler, Yunobo. They had come on theinvitation of Queen Zelda, and her Knight-Captain (and soon-to-be consort) Linkto spend Winter’s Depths at theCastle as honoured guests. As Championsof Hyrule, and pilots of the Divine Beasts, it is nothing short of what youdeserve.

The four marvelled as they passed through the town towardsthe Castle Gates. Not content to just huddle and hide, the Hyruleans fought against the darkness. Oils lampshung on every corner, lanterns strung between houses in garlands of rich winterhues – marigold reds, glittering silvers, pine greens and icy blues. TheGerudo had even gifted the city a small shipment of static generators, whichwere used to power a kind of electric lamp, that could burn much longer andmuch brighter. These were strung across the streets, forming a radiant latticeto rival the stars above. Underneath it all, the fine white snow made a perfect canvas. Even Hyrule Castle had beendecorated with no expense spared, its usualblue banners replaced with ones weaved in navy and gold, displaying the Hyruleinsignia wreathed by snowflakes.

The sights were not the only attraction. The Championspassed by sheets of ice, hauled by Goron traders all the way from Hebra, whichthe residents alternately enjoyed or feared toattempt skating on. A flock of Rito living in Castle Town had gatheredin the square to sing hymns of Hyrule and its history. The Gerudo and the Zorawere doing their best to outdo each other by throwing ever more lavishcook-outs, making the town rich with aromas of roasting meat, spiced stews,salted fish and confectionary of all kind. In response, Castle Town’s residentshad spilt on the streets come sundown toget a taste the increasingly elaborate culinary delights (though perhapsunsurprisingly, the Gorons did not understand what all the fuss wasabout).

In an auspicious twist, all four Champions had arrived atonce, to the delight of Link and Zelda. They met them on the steps of HyruleCastle, enthusiastic greetings and happylaughter filling the frozen air at once.The Zora King swept the Knight-Captain into a brotherly hug. The Gerudo Chiefsquealed when she saw the Queen, and the pair immediately began fawning overeach other’s specially made winter clothes. The Rito warrior offered the Queenand Knight-Captain a respectful nod, commenting that with so much snow at theCastle it felt just like home. And the Goron youth, never one for subtlety,bundled everyone up in a crushing hug, apologising that he hadn’t been able tovisit sooner or more often.

After a feast with the entire royal household (which hadmany of the attendees silently gawping at the appetite of the Knight-Captain),Link and Zelda retired with their Champions to a private drawing room. LadyRiju took the spot closest to the fire, sitting cross-legged on a plushcushion. Yunobo first tried sitting in a widearmchair, only to complain it was toocomfortable before pushing it out of the way to sit on the floor in itsplace. Sidon and Teba shared one of the two chaises, while Link and Zelda sathand in hand on the second.

In the centre of the room was a low table, onto whicheveryone had placed a small gift. As Zelda had explained in her invitationletters, it was customary in Hylian tradition for everyone to bring one present, and for the receiver to be chosen atrandom. That way the gift could besomething that anyone would like, reminding the Hylians that they were strongest together rather than apart. And sincethe Champions were in the Hylian founded city, she thought it best that theyparticipate in the Hylian tradition.

“You know, it’s funny,” Lady Riju piped up. “We have asimilar tradition in Gerudo.”

“Oh, really?” Zelda said, ears pricking up at the prospectof something new to learn. “Go on, share it with us.”

Riju leant forward on her cushion, telling her story withgreat pride. “At home, we consider every Gerudo part of our extended family. Infact, most of us are related come to think of it…” her voice trailed off, as ifonly just coming upon the realisation.“Anyway, what we do, is we each get given the name of one person. The challengeis to find them the best gift possible without asking them what they want. Mymother used to say that it was to remind us that we are all different and that to be a united people, wemust listen to everyone, and take an interest in each other’s lives.”

“That’s so lovely, Riju,” Zelda smiled. She turned to Link.“Perhaps we should try that here next year.”

“Perhaps…” Link rubbed his chin in thought. “But, what if someone draws the Queen? Isn’t there anexpectation?”

Zelda gave Link a playful nudge on his shoulder. “What –are you afraid you might draw me?”

“A little,” he admitted with a laugh.

“It doesn’t matter,” Riju went on. “The gift is anonymous.Though people always like to guess.”

Sidon gave a bursting laugh. “Ha! We have a completelydifferent tradition in the Domain,” he all but announced. The room was his inan instant, his booming voice captivating the other guests. “It isn’t random atall! In every family, the old give to the young. Even the young ones; if achild has a younger brother, they give a gift to them. It’s often rupees, or an historia, or a promise of swimming or spear work lessons. We live so long, that tous, giving a gift is to pass on our knowledge and wealth, rather than hordeit.”

Yunobo slapped his knee, sending a shudder throughout thefurniture. Zelda eyed the presents nervously as they rattled on the table.

“No way!” the Goron cried. “It’s the opposite in Goron City!We’d not be anywhere without the rock breakers who came before us. Every Gorongives to his father before him, and his older brothers. It’s a way of passingon respect!”

“This is amazing, I wonder how I never knew,” Zelda gushed.She leapt to her feet to find a notebook and quill, set on recording thedifferent traditions. “A unique perspective on the same holiday,” she said asshe scribbled away.

“Lucky there’ll never be a half Zora-half Goron,” Linkquipped. “He’d have to give to something everyone.”

“What about you, Teba?” Zelda asked, looking up at him fromher notebook. “Is it different for the Rito?”

“Well, actually…” The warrior scratched at the spinyfeathers on his crown, shifting awkwardly where he sat. “The solstice for theRito is a uh…well it’s a romanticholiday.”

Around Teba, the faces of his fellow Champions contorted with either surprise, or amusement.

“Do go on,” Zelda pressed, her quill at the ready.

“It’s always cold in Hebra,” Teba began. “TheSolstice isn’t that much different. So it isn’t exactly a big holiday for us.But it’s a couple’s celebration. I remember the Elder saying that without thearrow, the bow is no better than a stick, and vice versa. Partnerships areimportant to the Rito. So we exchange gifts with our partners and good friends,and allies too.”

“Is your wife waiting for you at home then?” Sidon askedwith some concern, but Teba just laughed.

“She’s used to meflying off on my own,” he said, shaking his head. He appraised Zelda with awarm smile. “And she knows the importance of a summoning by the Queen.”

On that summoning, Zelda was on her feet once more. “Wellthen, let’s get started, shall we! I’llgo first,” She went to the low table, and fetched a silver bowl containing sixsmall pieces of paper, one for each guest. Plunging her hand into the bowl,Zelda drew one of the pieces. “And I’ve got…Riju!”

The Chief bounced on her cushion. “Oh, me?”

With an excited nod, Zelda reached for the small parcel atthe centre of the table and handed it tothe young Chief. It gave off a cool radiance that was just visible throughthe fabric it had been wrapped in. Untying the twine, Riju’s face lit up withwonder. The faint light from the package was now reflected on her face,gleaming a cerulean blue.

In Riju’s hands was a small, glowing stone, engraved withSheikah runes and a Sheikah Eye at its centre.

“From our research laboratories, and carved by Dr Purah herself,” Zelda explained, watchingRiju turn the stone over to examine its every mark. “It’s a Sheikah orestone, from a deposit in Akkala. Used tomake the Guidance stones throughout Hyrule.”

“It’s fantastic is what it is!” Riju beamed, jumping to herfeet to give Zelda a gleeful hug. “I’lluse it as a nightlight, imagine how wonderful that will look!”

Next Yunobo drew, pulling Sidon’s name from the hat. He gavethe Zora a shining ruby pendant, which Sidon happily attached to his Championscarf.

“Fantastic! It matchesperfectly with my scales!” he grinned,the ruby hardly as brilliant as his smile.

After that, Riju drew Teba. She gave him an engraved silver paring knife, with anapology; “Might be a strange gift, I’m sorry.”

But the Rito was far from disappointed, “I never knew Iwanted one of these until now,” he said, spinning the elegantly dangerous bladein his wingtips. With a flick he tossed it into his other wing, chucklinghappily to himself.

Next, Teba drew Linkand gave the Knight-Captain a thick Rito scarf knitted by his wife and son. Thewool was a deep auburn and was patternedby the winged Rito symbol. The scarf itself was big enough for two people, andwhen Link wrapped it around his neck, itcame all the way up to his ears. Following that, Sidon drew, pulling Yunobo’sname, and to everyone’s surprise, his gift was a sapphire pendant. The Goron youth pinned it to his own Championscarf just as Sidon had with his, and that evening a new friendship was born.

Lastly, Link drew, though there was little need. Only onename remained; Zelda.

With care, he handed a small cardboard box, adorned on topwith a plump red bow, and observed as shegently pried it open. Tucked inside and wrapped in paper was a tiny cake,no larger than the palm of Zelda’s hand.It was decorated with thick white icing,and slices of fruit of every kind – wildberries, apple, and palm fruit.

“Fruitcake! My favourite!” Zelda cried. Careful not to dropthe cake, she threw her arms around him. “How did you know!?”

“Oh, you know,” Link brushed off her adoration. “I had ahunch,” he said, not telling her of the Royal Cookbook he had found in the Castle or the chef’s secret note regardingZelda’s favour of the cake. It was luck anyway – or perhaps fate – that hewould draw her name. “It’s nothing.”

The speed at which Zelda devoured the cake told Link, andindeed everyone else in attendance, that the gift was not nothing to her atall.

With the gift giving done, the party settled into a relaxedair. Sipping wildwine and warm cider, they chatted amongst themselves well intothe night. Riju and Teba, discovering each other’s fondness for the art ofcombat, traded stories of their skirmishes and training techniques. Sidon andYunobo were the fastest friends Hyrulehad ever seen, alternating between complimenting each other on how well theywore their respective brooches, andtelling tales of the great legends of their homes. Link himself was happy tolisten, wrapped up comfortably in his Rito scarf.

A little light-headedfrom the drink, and tired too after all the work she had put into planning for Winter’s Depth, Zelda stole away fromthe party, walking through the halls to find the throne room. Snow was fallingthrough the open windows, as was the dim moonlight, illuminating the whitestones and golden banners with an otherworldly glow. Zelda’s steps echoedagainst the marble floor. Everything was still. The tall and austere throneroom seemed now more sacred and reverent than it had ever been, as though itwere a temple.

Zelda stood at one of the archways,watching the twinkling lights of Castle Town,and the snow that fell over her Kingdom. She shivered, her warm woollen coat not quite enough to entirely stave off the cold. But it’s so beautiful here, she thought.Even at its harshest.

She wrapped her coat tighter around her, but the cold wouldnot quit – until a warm Rito scarf was draped around her shoulders.

“Leaving your own party so soon?” Link crooned, adjustingthe scarf so that it sat snug.

“I just wanted some air, and to come check on everything,”Zelda gestured out to the sleeping Castle Town. Link followed her line of sight.

“Let them on their own, for one night.”

“I can’t. I’m theirQueen.”

“And, you’re myZelda,” Link said warmly. He wrapped his arms around her, placing his chin ontop of her head. He’d grown tall in the past few years – taller than anyonehad expected. Taller than he ever would have been, in a life long ago.

Gentler than the falling snow, he began to kiss her hair,and then her neck, holding her close against him. Succumbing was easy; Zeldaturned, and melted into his arms, letting him kiss her cheek, her forehead, andthen her lips. There was no greatercomfort, no greater warmth than to be here with him. A rushing gustof wind sent a spray of cold air and snow through the archway. Pulling away,Zelda took Link’s scarf and wrapped it around them both, huddling in close.They traded kisses for what felt like an hour, holding each other, sometimesgiggling, sometimes silent. So enraptured by each other were they that the pairforgot the world outside of the throne room – forgottheir guests.

But their guests had not forgotten them.

Teba had noticed Zelda’s departure before even Link had, butthought nothing of it until Lady Riju stopped her musings on scimitar techniqueto ask where the Queen had gone. By that point, Link had disappeared as well.Together, the Gerudo and Rito departed the drawing room in search of the Hylians and found them in easily – wrapped uptogether in the snow-lit throne room. Riju sighed with disapproval.

“I’ve yet to understand the appeal of voe,” she frowned. “We ought to break them up.”

She moved forward to intervene but placing a silent wingtipon her arm, Teba stopped her. “Let them have this moment.”

Riju blinked at him in surprise. “I never took you for aromantic,” she said.

“Then don’t,” the Rito retorted. He pointed to Link andZelda. “Peace like that is rare, sacred even.”

Footsteps behind them brought the news that Sidon hadfollowed as well, his hurried stomps filling the hallway that led tothe throne room. “What are we sneaking around for?” he whispered.

Riju shushed him andnodded towards the couple. A sound escaped Sidon something between a squeak anda giggle, but he hushed. “Perhaps we should go.”

“Before they notice us, good idea,” Riju nodded.

“Before Yunobo drinks all the wildwine,” added Teba, but itsoon became clear that would not be an issue.

“Hey!” Yunobo called, marching up to the trio of crouchingChampions. “What’s everyone crowding in the hallway for!?”

His booming, if somewhat lost voice filled the hallway, andthe throne room too. By the archway, Link and Zelda turned, and then jumped,trying to spring away from each other but held close by the scarf. They bumpednoses, laughed, and then awkwardly unravelledthemselves. Realising his interruption, Yunobo was already a mess of apologiesby that point, and it took all three of the other Champions to shush him andusher him back towards the drawing room.

“We’ll be waiting for you,when you two lovebirds are ready!” Teba called, sending both Link and Zelda abright red from embarrassment. With a final giggleand a last look over their shoulders tocheck that Hyrule was at peace, Link andZelda held hands, and raced aftertheir Champions.

[wandering-chronicler-blog]

The Wolf of Farore - Chapter 5

An Ongoing Zelda/Witcher Fusion Fic - Updates Wednesdays/Thursdays

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Summary:

War has come to The Kingdom of Hyrule.  The people cry for a savior as monsters and spirits stalk the once green fields of the provinces.  Famine grips the populace as the Gerudo Tribes and their blin allies strike along the borders.  Hope for peace begins to drown in the blood spilled in No Man’s Land.  But Hyrule doesn’t need another hero.  It needs a professional.

The Story So Far:

In a deadly contest, Link duels with the draconic knight and uncovers a deeper mystery as to why the dragon attacked in the first place, but it is clear they are not alone.  Given his status as a traitor to The Crown though and people looking for him however, Link cannot stay with the gorons and refugees fleeing into Holordum.  He slips down the mountain’s more treacherous passes and enters Faron Province and the hell that is No Man’s Land...

CHAPTER 5:  THE RIDE TO ORDON

It was called No Man’s Land for good reason. What had once been vibrant fields of green and plains of farmlands were now wasted. Roads were abandoned for fear of highwaymen and blin war parties. Small settlements were reclaimed by nature. The people of them had fled to whatever protection Hyrule’s armies could provide. Link could always tell when he’d come to a sight of battle, even if the dead had been collected. It was the poes that haunted the locations and the small legions of stalkin that harvested whatever bones and weapons had been left behind. The poes were particularly common around the trees that held hanged men. Both sides often would do it to deserters and traitors and the dead would become the phantoms.

At a signpost on the third day of his riding south from Death Mountain, he saw a caravan that was down the road. The few guards with it were engaged with a large pack of bokoblins. They were easily identified by the large ears and shrieks as they swung their clubs. It looked like they were struggling against them.

“We need to help them, c’mon girl!” he said to Epona. The mare seemed to not need any additional encouragement and broke into a gallop. He pulled his sword from his back and readied it for a swing. Within moments, he swept the blade forward and cleanly sliced the head of one of the bokoblins off. It collapsed into a heap while another was trampled under Epona’s hooves. The remaining pack retreated with shrieks. The caravan guards looked to the hylian on the horse, weapons still raised.

“Don’t want any trouble, mister,” one of them said. “But you try it you’ll pay.”

Link sheathed his blade then and looked to them. In the covered wagon, among the several clay jars bearing the mark of Lon Lon Ranch and a crate was a young woman who appeared around his age. There was a fair bit of fright in her green eyes, but a little relief that the fighting was over. “Everyone okay?”

There was a tense moment as the men started to realize that they wouldn’t have a fight on their hands. They lowered their weapons slowly. “Yeah we’re. We’re okay.” One of them looked back at the cart. “The cart’s broke though and our horse ran off when the fighting started.”

“Where were you headed?”

“Ordon Village.”

He’d heard it before. Refugees were slipping out that way as well to the coast. Given he was on his own now, maybe he could get a message to Medli from a courier in the secluded village and start to connect with the other allies he’d made before the war. He was going to need to meet with each of them and determine which ones he’d be able to trust. Link dismounted then. The caravan guards moved back into a more defensive position. “I’m heading that way as well. We can use my horse once we repair the cart.”

“What’s the catch?” the young woman in the cart called out.

“You have to take me with you.”

The guards spoke amongst themselves while one of them watched him closely. It was clear they were wary and he heard more than one mention that he may have stolen the goron armor he was wearing. He waited until the oldest of them approached. They pulled the rust-colored helmet off their head, revealing a middle-aged man with weathered features. Link recognized the style of dress from the region they were headed and he had a sword on his back. “What’s your name, son?”

“Link.”

He offered a hand. “I’m Rusl. Thank you for the help.”

He took it and shook. “Glad everyone is okay.”

The older man nodded. “Me too.”

“Dangerous to be traveling along these roads nowadays. Where were you coming from?”

“Lon Lon Ranch. We were in need of some supplies. And had a couple people who wanted to get home before the raiders started showing up again.” The conversation paused as they heard one of the guards swearing. A couple other people emerged from the cart then. One was a girl while the other was a young boy. The oldest of the group said something he didn’t catch and they looked back at her as Rusl continued. “Just a quick trip to see Talon and get a few things turned into a bit of a surprise when the blins showed up.”

“Must’ve been desperate to get those supplies.”

He looked grimly at Link. “Indeed. And I fear things will get far worse before they get better. And I have a feeling Lon Lon Ranch will soon have to openly support The Kingdom in spite of its history.”

“There!” one of the guards shouted. “The wheel’s replaced. Get the horse hitched up and let’s get out of here!”

Link took Epona forward and in a minute she was hooked to the cart. It was slower going, but he felt a little more comfortable that he was traveling with other people. They still were clearly unsure about him though with how the guards kept watching him, even Rusl, who appeared to be the one in charge. They’d watch his steps as he held Epona’s bridle and refused to make eye contact. One of the children approached him, only to be carefully pulled back by one of the guards. About an hour later though, one of the guards did approach along with Rusl.

“Where are you from?” the guard asked.

Link looked at them. This one didn’t seem to spook like the others and tried to keep staring. He looked right back. “Originally?”

“Yeah.”

“Outset.” The response had come quick. It wasn’t a lie, but he wasn’t sure how the conversation was going to go. His training was starting to come into play. To treat it more like an interrogation given their suspicions of him.

“Pretty far inland for an islander.” They broke eye contact with him then.

Link did not. He watched their movements stiffen and after a few paces, they’d put a few feet between them so they were still next to him, but had more distance between them. “Do a lot of traveling.”

“Has the war reached the islands?” Rusl asked.

Link glanced at them. The older man didn’t carry himself like the other guards. “I haven’t been there since I was a child. Don’t have a reason to go back anyways. Besides, I came from the mountains.”

“That explains the armor,” the guard said. “Must’ve cost a king’s ransom.”

“It was payment for a favor.”

“Must’ve been a very big favor.”

“It was.” He looked at his mare for a moment and gave her a gentle pat as they kept walking.

Hours later, the sun began to go down and they stopped in a hollow by a stream for the night. They’d lit a fire and caught some local game for dinner. Link was sitting by the stream with one of the fishing poles the group had, watching the bobber and waiting for something to take a bite. His ears picked up someone approached behind him.

“Can I help you?” he asked, not turning from the stream.

“Perhaps,” Rusl said. The older man sat down next to Link then. “You were with The Hyrulean Army.”

Link didn’t even look at him. “What gave me away?”

“I served seven years before I left to be with my family. You carry yourself like one of the knights. How you swung your blade from your horse earlier looked very much like a method the light cavalry uses.”

There was a moment of quiet and then Link looked at him. “I’d prefer you keep that to yourself.”

“I won’t tell anyone. I am curious though for news from the front. I still had friends among the ranks and we haven’t heard much so far in the country. We’re still feeling it though with raiders getting past the front lines.”

“I haven’t either. What I have though…” Link saw the bobber duck under the water and pulled the fishing rod back. There was nothing on the hook though the bait was gone. “It’s not good. It’s a grind, especially in the south. The army holds the main passes along the Seer Valley, but blin war parties still slip through. In the north, it’s a blood bath. The main Tribes are forcing through the swamps, where their lighter armor is able to maneuver better against the heavier footmen of The Kingdom. Casualties are mounting on both sides.”

“Ah…” He let out a sigh. “So exactly the same as I heard earlier. And almost six months ago.”

“Yeah.” Link put the fishing rod aside. “Neither side can keep this going from what I’ve seen. Unless one side finds some advantage, it’s going to turn into a stalemate that’ll leave both of them in tatters. So much so Labrynna or Calatia might seek to expand their borders and invade.”

Rusl nodded. “This whole war is starting to feel more like some great storm and the only thing we can do is hope we weather it.” He let out a sigh and fell silent for a minute, watching as the sun started to sink in the west. “Tell me. Do you ever feel a strange sadness when dusk falls? They say-”

Link’s ears perked up and as the old soldier spoke, he did as well. “It’s the only time when our world intersects with theirs.”

“You know the stories.”

He’d walked that shadowy world only a year before the war. Its princess even called him a trusted friend. The thought of her snarking in his ear made him smile a little; sure she’d be doing so again soon. “Quite well.”

“Heard many of them myself while on the long marches. Stories of heroes worked well for morale.”

Link’s curiosity got the better of him then. He glanced at Rusl again. “Hear any new ones before you left?”

He shook his head. “Rumor has it a new Hero had appeared chosen by Farore though. That he was among the ranks but fear of spies meant his identity remained a secret. That the only soul who knows in all of Hyrule is Princess Zelda.”

There was a hint of truth to what he’d just said. The Chosen had been said to carry The Hero’s Spirit in them after all. However, it made him wonder who they’d named. He wondered if he’d have to face this other named-hero eventually, or even if he’d have to stand with his blade crossed with the princess’ rapier one day. Link shook his head. “There’s probably others. But morale is an important part for any army and the stories of The Chosen are important.” He looked to Rusl then. “I’ve never been to Ordon before. What’s it like?”

“Farmlands and forest. We’re near Faron and the Lost Woods. The foothills are good for the goats. And we’ve managed to avoid the war due to the valley. We’ll be there tomorrow. Close enough too to the border with Labrynna that sometimes we get some good trade from them. At least before the war started.”

“You wouldn’t happen to have any work I could do when we arrive? Wallet’s getting kind of light.”

“You’d have to check with the mayor. I’ll introduce you.”

“Thank you.” He baited his hook again with a worm and tossed it back into the stream. “I’m going to assume as well the guards will be taking shifts and not let me assist?”

“That would be right.” Rusl stood up. “I hope you don’t take it personally.”

“I don’t.”

It was around noon when Epona pulled the cart across a long bridge that separated Faron Province from Ordon. The guards seemed relieved as they arrived in the farmlands down the path. Link saw several people working the fields in simple outfits. A little further to the southwest, he saw the foothills and some simple structures along it. The cart continued to the heart of a small village that it seemed like the war had completely forgotten about it.

“Hey! Hey! Rusl’s back!” a villager shouted.

At the cry, several others came running. Link was glad to be ignored in favor for the friends and family who had returned. He unhooked Epona from the cart, but his ears perked up when he heard one of the children mention his name.

“Who?” a parent asked.

“The man who let us use his horse,” Rusl said. “Come over here and meet everyone, Link.”

He approached the group and got a better look at the children. Their parents were holding onto them tightly. The look on their faces told him they had not seen someone so well-armed and if they had it had been a very long time.

“Why does he have pointy ears?” one of the children asked.

“He’s hylian,” the girl that had been in the cart said. “Like Malon from the ranch or some of the people who were heading up the mountain.” She smiled at him.

He returned her friendliness with a smile of his own. “I’m glad everyone’s okay,” he said, “but it’s been a very long trip. I’m sure you all want to rest. And I was told to speak to the mayor about work.”

“I’ll take you.”

“Ilia,” one of the guards said. He grabbed her wrist. “He’s dangerous. I don’t think-”

She pulled her arm away fast, breaking his grip. “We’re safe now!” she said. “If he had wanted to slit all our throats he’d have done it while we were sleeping!” The bewildered guard looked back at Link then.

“I’ll take you both,” Rusl said, diffusing the situation. “I need to speak with him anyways about the disappearances.”

“Disappearances?” Link asked.

“You’re better off asking the mayor. Come.”

Mayor Bo was a large balding man with two white tuffs of a mustache on his upper lip and had his arms folded as Rusl recounted the tale of how they’d encountered the hylian swordsman. His daughter was in the kitchen of the house already working to prepare a stew for them. It had sounded like most of the trip had been uneventful until the bokoblins that had scared the horse off while they were repairing the wheel.

He nodded as the tale came to an end. “I see too that you know Darunia very well,” Bo said to Link. “He wouldn’t give one of their armors to just anyone.”

“Like I said on the road,” Link answered. “Payment for a favor. Which is why I’m here actually.”

“You want payment for helping bring my daughter and the supplies from Lon Lon Ranch?” He nodded. “I could arrange it. We don’t have much but…”

“Keep it.”

That made Bo’s brows rise. “Really? You actually wanted to help us out of the kindness of your heart? Such nobility is rare these days.”

“I’m looking for work. And Rusl mentioned disappearances.” He looked at the guard who had been the friendliest of the group. “Maybe I can help there and we can draw up a contract.”

Bo looked at Rusl. The two men spoke in hushed voices as they turned their backs to him. He picked up some of it though. There was concern that whatever was going on would start growing bolder. He also thought he heard a horse had been lost. As they talked quietly, Ilia emerged from the kitchen with a tray. There were four bowls of pumpkin stew on it. She put them on the table before taking a seat herself.

“Does a Dragon Roost courier come through here?” he asked her.

“Twice a month,” she said with a smile.

“Good.”

“Need a pen and paper?”

He returned her smile with a simple one of his own. “It’d be appreciated.”

She turned away then and headed out of the dining room. Link looked back to the meal before him and started to eat. It had been a long time since he had a truly homemade meal like this, let alone one that was so fresh. The mayor of the village turned and sat down then. His chair creaked under his weight while Rusl sat in one next to him.

“Suppose there’s no harm in telling you,” Bo said. “Since about six months ago, every now and then a trapper would go missing. Now, working in the woods is usually dangerous, and they know to stay away from some of the more… Enchanted areas. And if any monsters came out of it, the militia could handle them. That changed a few weeks ago though. One of the guards was killed by the bridge.”

“What kind of wounds?” Link asked.

“It was a blade,” Rusl said. “Didn’t do much to his head, but was stabbed through the stomach twice. He also had defensive wounds on his hands. When I tracked the prints and blood trail, it led deep into the Faron Woods.”

Link took a quick sip of his stew before thinking on his next question. “No one went into the woods?”

“Not since Rusl left with the caravan for trade with Lon Lon Ranch,” Bo said. “We did send some of our trappers in to see if they could find anything, but only one came back. He was wounded.”

“Telo is lucky to be alive,” Rusl said. “He’ll never walk again though.”

“What happened?” Link asked.

“It was as if his legs had rotted away, but his top half was left intact. The necrosis was spreading and both of his legs had to be amputated.”

“With that, I’ve told the village that the Faron Woods are off limits until we can figure out more about what’s been happening.”

“I see,” the hylian said. Link heard footsteps and glanced over his shoulder. Ilia had returned with a couple pieces of paper and a pen with its ink well. “You haven’t hired anyone else to try and find out what’s been going on either then?”

“No.”

“You’re talking about the missing trappers?” Ilia said. “Fado said they were still looking for Rolok.”

“Another?” Bo let out a groan. “Damn… We’ll have no trappers if this keeps up…”

“All the more reason to let me investigate,” Link said. “I’m not part of the village. Longer I stay, more of a drain on resources I’ll be. I’ve picked up a good number of skills over my travels and can put them to use.”

“Such as?” Rusl asked.

“Tracking. Hunting and trapping. Combat in swordplay and-”

“So were the other trackers we sent into the woods,” Bo said.

“They thought they were tracking an animal. We know for a fact though that they used blades. They’re not animals. And they likely have some powerful magic user with them if the survivor’s legs were that badly damaged.”

“Father, this is starting to sound like it is very targeted…” Ilia said. “It could be the wild men. Or the-”

A look from both Bo and Rusl quickly silenced her. Link could see though there was as much fear in their eyes as annoyance for her bringing up whatever it had been. After a second though, the portly mayor nodded. “Could be,” Bo said. He took a spoonful of the stew and swallowed.

Rusl was looking at him in such a way Link wondered if he had given too much away. The hylian kept his face straight and watching the others. “Six hundred. I find what happened to the trappers and keep it from happening again.”

“Six hundred?!”

“Don’t work for free. I travel, so I need to be able to purchase supplies to keep Epona in good shape. Weapon and armor maintenance, some lodgings, tolls along the road. Medicine too is especially expensive.”

“Four hundred,” Rusl said.

“Five-fifty.”

“Five hundred?”

Link nodded. “Five hundred is good.” He stood up and offered a hand to the mayor. After a moment, Bo took it with his right hand and clasped Link’s arm with the left. He let go when Bo allowed him to. “I will make my preparations then and leave for the Faron Woods in a couple hours. I also need to write a letter for the rito couriers.” He looked to Ilia. “Could you pack me some stew for the road?”

She nodded with a smile.

[heartofhryule]

Heart of Wisdom - Chapter 6

Chapter 6 - It has begun!

WARNINGS: Possibly Teen+ - Contains suggestive themes. Contains Hyrule Warriors spoilers and story items. I highly recommend playing the game if you haven’t! It’s complete fluff, but fun fluff…. minus Lana. ______________________________

Heart of Wisdom - a Tale after Hyrule Warriors | Chapter 6 - Fear’s Icy Grip

Well, it was official, Link despised the North.

Not the North-ish, where Volga was from. No, that had been lovely with a few inches of snow, and green pines surrounding the roads and buildings, were warm fires and pumpkin soup chased away the chill. Snowpeak had been beautiful, and the night they’d stayed to rest on the journey had been spent under a pile of warm furs with a beautiful princess cuddled to him for warmth. Really he would always think fondly of his time there for that alone.

This however, The Outlands and their ice covered rocks, where no trees grew and the wind was made of frozen daggers was some kind of hell.

Of all their travelling companions, Volga and Epona seemed to mind it the least. Volga, his nature as a warlock-knight, seemed to have the internal furnace his alternate form of the dragon wore on the outside. The sideways snow melted before it hit him, puffs of steam radiating from the warmth of his armor. His horse was far less pleased, but seemed warm where her rider touched. Epona, Link’s faithful horse, bore both he and Zelda with determination. He could tell the harsh and extreme conditions had an effect on her, but his sweet mare refused to let it conquer her. She trudged forward, head down into the wind, refusing to give up as if she had to prove to nature itself she would not give in.

Zelda fared far less well, yet no less stubbornly. She had been shivering for hours against his back despite her fur lined cloak and heavy winter clothing. He’d asked her a dozen times if she wanted to stop for a little while to build a fire and warm up since they’d set out that morning, but she’d refused. Even Volga was keeping an eye on her, and he and Link shared concerned glances every now and then.

But their destination was in sight. The Mountain hall in which the Warlord had taken residence loomed barely visible through the snow storm ahead of them, the orange light through the windows like strange stars in the gray distance. Volga said that from here it would only be half a day’s ride if the wind let up, though it was a steep climb. Fearing them to be late due to weather, Zelda begged them to press on without harming the animals. Her own comfort seemed not in her concern.

As it stood, Volga and his magic, the ability to breath fire, cleared a path to make it far easier for the horses to make better time. Perilous and steep thought the mountain was, the three Hyrulean diplomats made it in time for the supper before the next day’s Summit.

To Link’s irritation, but not his surprise, there wasn’t much of a welcome - it seemed all horses were being kept in the foyer outside of the main hall but out of the blizzard… but being groomed and watched over by moblins. He detested them so much… They were also lead by a bobkin with a non-verbal grunt to the main hall, set with table and a feast of boar, berries, and other winter vegetables where the other diplomats were already gathered.

Filled with orange red light from the many fireplaces around the room, the hall was echoic with the clamour of conversation. There were many folk gather - the blue-skinned and scale Zora of the Western lands, who favored the old merfolk of lore, to the tanned and elegant Rito of the east with their long, straight hair on men and women alike ranging from black to brown and shock white who were believed to be descended of the birds of the Goddess, or so the legends said. It seemed they were not the last to arrive, as there was not a Goron in sight, but at the far end of the table, and from whence the most of the noise came, were the Gerudans who had passed through Hyrule Castle.

Zelda was wrapped in her cloak under his arm. Link rubbed her shoulders to try and get the blood flowing to warm her, and a few of the Diplomats nodded to them as they entered. Link nodded back, but found his eyes drawn down to the far end of the room. At first he wasn’t sure what he was looking for, but when he met eyes with one man in particular, he knew - and knew they were no longer safe. Pushing Zelda slightly behind him, he ignored her protest and motioned to Volga without taking his eyes away from the Gerudan Warlord - because it could be no one else.

“Hero?” Volga asked quietly, looking around to make their discourse seem less suspicious.

“We can’t stay.”

“We have to,” Zelda said softly. “Or there will be war for certain.”

“There will be anyway,” Link said as she watched the warlord, who still held his gaze, stand slowly. “It’s Ganon.”

***

The moment she walked in the room with her two escorts, Griffin knew. He knew who she was, what she could become, and he felt something roiling inside him. Lust, Anger, respect, desire... hatred. At first, he wondered if she too felt it. The more dreams that plagued him, the more Griffin believed that he had once been Ganon of legend and that this divinely beautiful creature who’d just walked through his doors was the Goddess reborn. She was at least the angel who’d haunted his dreams of late. What he’d not realized was that it was the same woman who had once, long ago condemned him to this frozen hell - the Princess Zelda herself.

He stared, his old friends from Gerudo continuing to talk but he heard none of it, nor could he have described her companions. Yet burned into his memory was every detail of her existence, down to the very last thread of her clothing.

“Griff?” Baqi, his friend the representative from the Gerudo deserts said trying to get his attention. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost...”

“Not a ghost,” he said softly, “A

Goddess.” Handing off his goblet, he started to take a step forward, but her guard, who looked no more than a boy, wearing his green tunic and cloak against the cold with sword and board on his back, caught eyes with him and Griffin stopped. There was something about that icy blue stare...

Whatever it was, both their attentions were drawn when a shrill greeting of happiness broke the moment. Princess Ruto of the Zora kingdom squealed and greeted the Princess-goddess, who he assumed was the Diplomat from that region. The Guard followed as the mermaid swept the angel off, and Griffin felt his fist clench. He would speak with her later. They were all on his time now.

***

“Princess Ruto,” Zelda said warmly with a respectful nod, relieved to have the strange tingling between her shoulders lifted by the Zoran girl’s welcome. “It has been quite some time. We were only what, six summers? Seven? When last we met?” Zelda fought the urge to grab Link’s hand at her uneasiness, but Ruto truly was a blessed and welcome distraction. She was not like the Ruto with whom Zelda and Link had spent time recently - no Ruto from the Era of the Hero of Time was safely where she belonged. This Ruto, from the Western Oceanic Kingdom, was covered in beautiful blue and coral scales, the fins atop her head giving the illusion of hair as they fell to her shoulders, and he eyes were the most lovely shade of green that lit up when she was smiling as she was now.

“Something like that, yes,” the blue skinned Zora said happily. “I hate to do this, but could you please come to the side of that tub? We’ve been freezing and without salt water for too long and I don’t feel well. I want to catch up!” As the Zoran princess didn’t wait for an answer, tucking Zelda’s arm in hers and tugging her towards a large wooden tub near one of the fireplaces and away from the Gerudan Warlord. Zelda reached back and grabbed for Link without looking, hooking fingers in his belt rather than getting his tunic to pull him along.

Glancing back, she noticed her Hero blush despite his eyes never leaving the opposite end of the room. She too had seen him and knew. She felt the Triforce in her possession thrum faintly even from this distance. If she knew, and Link knew, Griffin no doubt had to know, whether he understood it or not.

Ruto slipped into the tub with a grateful sigh, but kept her grip on Zelda’s hand. “So, how have you been? What’s the news from Hyrule Castle? Tell me everything!”

Zelda thanked a serf who brought she and her companions chairs. “Princess Ruto, allow me to introduce the Hero of Hyrule, Link, and our dear ally Baron Volga, the Dragonknight,” she said. She had told Ruto about dreams of a boy named Link when she was young, but she was hoping Ruto didn’t remember.

Ruto blinked, but she didn’t otherwise indicate whether or not she remembered the childhood incident. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both. I hope your journey wasn’t too difficult. Ours was an absolute misery I tell you! We got lost in that dreadful storm and wound up miles from where we were supposed to be. It was simply awful. I just wanted to die. And then we almost did! We’d been out of the water so long all our gills were getting dry despite wetting them with melted snow-water. Oh, heavens, I don’t even like to think about it.”

“We were also lambasted by the storm-” Volga started, but Ruto was eager to interject.

“Oh, it was! It was! Oh, you poor dears. Have you eaten? Griffin said to make ourselves at home.”

“You’re... on a first name basis with him?” Zelda asked quietly in disbelief.

Ruto blinked again. “Well what would you have me call him, dear?”

Zelda shrugged. “Lord Griffin? Warlord Griffin?”

“Oh please,” Ruto said waving a dismissive hand where she leaned over the edge of the tub, “Warlord is so gauche. It’s the name the nasty little goblin-kin gave him. And he’s not my Lord, nor is he yet a king or a prince or a baron or anything of the like, and well there’s not much to be even a Mayor of here, is there, dear?”

“I suppose not,” Zelda sighed.

“Well what are you going to call him?” she asked.

“I don’t know, Ruto. Sir maybe?”

“Well you’d better decide,” Ruto said nodding behind the three friends.”Because he’s coming this way.” With that she sank beneath the warm water and the surface moved where she swam around. The wooden tub really was huge, almost like a man made pool.

Zelda turned to look just as Griffin stepped around Link’s chair and took her hand with a smile. “Charmed, my lady,” he purred in a thick southern accent. Surprised and upset that she’d not felt him coming, she was confused that the Triforce was not thrumming more powerfully and Zelda knew her face paled quite a bit in spite of herself. There was no denying the feeling of Darkness’s spirit… albeit a bit weak. Nor was there denying those sharp, gold eyes. It was Ganondorf reborn… but he didn’t seem to yet fully be aware of that.

“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Warlord Griffin and your host. But then, I assume you would recall such, your highness?”

The way he stood over her impeded her ability to stand and feel less… trapped. She maintained her cool and collected demeanor giving him a nod. “I do, Warlord Griffin,” she said choosing the name he’d introduced himself by. She did not need to tip her hand if there was still room for them to escape this and prepare for what was coming. “I see you have made quite the stronghold for yourself.”

“One does what one must in the Outlands,” he rumbled, and the way his eyes traced over her left Zelda feeling in need of a bath. His lust radiated from him clear as the fire’s warmth around them. Her mind raced like a rabbit from the wolf looking for any excuse to duck away from him.

“Sir, if I might introduce my companions,” she said ducking up and around Griffin to Link’s side - Link who was glaring and fuming and not at all even trying to hide it. Taking his hand and hiding it between them so it was not seen, she smiled, trying to lend him some of her composure. “May I introduce Link, Knight of the Realm and Captain of my personal guard.” No reason to mention the Hero and risk awakening Griffin more than he might already be. “And you have met the Baron Volga of Snowpeak.”

She thought she saw his lip twitch in the beginning of a scowl when Griffin looked over Link, but could not be sure as he turned and gave Volga a slightly tighter grin, taking the Dragonknight’s hand instead and shaking it politely. “A pleasure. I know the journey was hard on everyone, and you are all my honored guests. Please, make yourself at home and should you need anything, do not hesitate to ask.”

He was enormous, standing hadn’t helped the intimidation factor the reincarnation of Ganon had achieved. His fiery red hair fell in dreadlocks adorned with golden trinkets around his shoulders not unlike a lion’s mane - similar to the Ganondorf they’d fought recently, but remarkably different. His neatly trimmed beard was groomed and completed the mane appearance around his dark and in places scarred skin.

His hands came up rapidly and clapped, causing Zelda to startle and Link to twitch and reach for his sword, but the Warlord's booming laughter accompanied his words, “Minstrels! A song!” His eyes returned to rest on her, and Zelda forced herself to relax… since Link wasn’t and looked as if he might try and take the man’s head then and there. “Would you like to dance, your Highness?”

Zelda shook her head politely, trying to swallow the lump in her throat that was trying to get her to run from the building or at the least hide behind Link. “No we’re quite exhausted. Thank you anyway, but I think she would.” Zelda nodded politely to the Gerudan lady who’d threatened her in the throne room of Hyrule, Naburoo, who was currently leaning against an opposite wall glaring daggers in their direction.

Griffin looked and chuckled. “Ahh yes, my second in command. Well,” he said and bowed to them shortly. “Another time then.” and with that he went to pull the woman into a dance.

“Are you sure we can’t leave now? Link asked through clenched teeth, tugged zelda behind him slightly, his eyes never leaving Griffin as the Warlord began to dance.

“He doesn’t recall everything,” Zelda said softly, hoping Volga could hear as well, not daring to raise her voice more. “We must play this out, and hope he does not ever recall.”

Link’s teeth ground together so hard, Zelda could hear it. She squeezed his hand and tried to urge him to look at her, but the Hero would not release Griffin from his eagle-eyed gaze with a dangerous growl.

“He can’t remember anything if he’s dead.”